Practitioner Wellness Advice Column: A Preventative Approach to Wellness

Dr. James Augustine, D.C. – BioVeda Health & Wellness Center of Cerritos, CA

To begin this discussion, most people go to the doctor when symptoms arise. Symptoms are the last thing to show up but the first thing to leave. We all have been taught that we go to the doctor when we feel bad, and when the symptoms are gone, we are healthy. Lack of symptoms does not mean that a person is healthy. All the “silent killers” like high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, typically have no associated symptoms. The American Heart Association states that 50% of the time, the first symptom of a heart attack is no symptom but a massive, deadly heart attack; lights out. By the time symptoms arise, there has been permanent tissue damage happening in the associated areas of the body.

Therefore, I say, measure your health by how you function not by how you feel.  We utilize several methods in my practice to assess the body’s ability to function.  Contact BioVeda to learn more!

Dr. Jean Gibson, D.C. – BioVeda Health & Wellness Center of Fayetteville, AR

Do any of these scenarios sound familiar?

You get up in the morning feeling stiff, but ignore it, because you didn’t sleep well the night before. You then sit down on the sofa to read the paper and enjoy your coffee. When you try to get up, BAM – a sudden and sharp pain in the back.

You get up in the morning and go straight to your computer. You end up sitting too long, and when you try to stand up – you can’t completely straighten up.

You get up in the morning, drink your coffee – which wakes up your gut – so you head to the bathroom. You are a bit constipated, and have to strain to empty your bowels. When you try to get up from the toilet, your back spasms.

Why, you wonder, do these things happen – and usually in the morning in the morning? Overnight sleeping leaves your back swollen- even on the best of beds – and extra fluid in your joints. The best thing to do is first thing – before starting your coffee, getting your paper, or checking your computer – you need to stretch to “wring” the excess fluids out of your joints. Gentle stretching when you wake up helps the fluid get to moving, warms up your muscles, and helps protect your back from spasms.

During your day, try to not bend over immediately after sitting. Instead, stand up and do some gentle backward bends to reset your spine. When you sit, don’t slump, as this reinforces the risks to something happening to your back. And try to get up every hour, walk around and do some gentle stretches. You will be amazed how much better you feel at the end of the day!

Lorri L. Beauchamp, L.Ac. – BioVeda Health & Wellness Center of Lincoln Park, IL

Seasonal allergies can wreak havoc on your life. For some, the symptoms are so severe, they keep sufferers home in bed. What can you do to minimize your allergy symptoms? Here are some simple tips:

1. Nasal irrigation is a perfect way to eliminate allergens from your nasal passages. It is safe and inexpensive and can be done several times per day. In the morning, it can help clear you of dust mites and molds found in your bedding. In the evening, it can clear pollen before you go to sleep.
2. Showering before bed is another good practice. You will rinse any excess pollen from your body and minimize the transfer of allergens into your bed. BUT – make sure you dry your hair thoroughly before you lay down. Wet hair on a pillow or mattress is a perfect environment for mold. So though you may have elminated the pollen, you may be creating a more pervasive issue with the mold.
3. If you exercise outdoors, avoid the hours between 5:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m as that is the period during which pollen is emitted. As an alternative, excercise inside.
4. Swimming is an ideal activity for those suffering with allergies and asthma. The humid air near water keeps the airways moisturized.
5. If you have gas forced air, use high quality air filters in your system. Change the filters frequently. Consider a HEPA filter in your bedroom as well as mattress and pillowcase protectors for dustmites.
6. Take a multivitamins with minerals to provide additional support to your immune system.

Finally, when your system is depleted by seasonal allergies or any allergies, it is especially important to eat a healthy diet and get plenty of rest.

Contact BioVeda to learn more!